Ruby’s POV

The next morning, just after six, I pushed myself to get up.

My body still ached all over. My head was heavy, and my throat was dry. But I couldn’t stay in bed.

I needed to see Marcus.

I slowly changed into fresh clothes and left the room.

The hospital hallway was quiet, lights soft, the sky outside still gray with early light.

I walked down the corridor and stopped in front of Marcus’s room.

I took a breath and pushed the door open.

What I saw made me freeze.

John was ...